Parenting Class in Divorce Proceedings

Parenting Class and Education Programs

Illinois Supreme Court Rules require that each county or circuit court establish an approved parenting education program. Such programs encourage parents to develop ways to relate to each other that keep their children out of conflict, motivate parents to focus on the best interests of their children, and emphasize the need for parents to set aside personal differences in order to provide the healthiest environment possible for their children.

Such programs are generally four hours in length and cover the subjects of parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities and the impact of divorce and separation on children. Attendance and completion of such programs is mandatory for all parents of minor children who are participating in divorce or paternity cases, unless the requirement is excused by the court for good cause shown. Such programs generally should be completed as soon as possible after commencement of the court case, but not later than sixty days after an initial case management conference, which conference generally takes place about ninety  days into the proceeding.

Some counties offer programs that are available online as well in person seminars, and most programs cost in the range of $50.00-$100.00 per parent, although reduced costs are available in some cases, especially to litigants with limited resources. Parents are encouraged to attend different sessions. Courts may impose sanctions on any party willfully failing to complete the parent education program approved in that county, including findings of contempt, and in some cases, denial of parenting time.